The Upcoming
  • Cinema & Tv
    • Movie reviews
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Tribeca
      • Sundance London
      • Cannes
      • Locarno
      • Venice
      • London
      • Toronto
    • Show reviews
  • Music
    • Live music
  • Food & Drinks
    • News & Features
    • Restaurant & bar reviews
    • Interviews & Recipes
  • Theatre
  • Art
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Literature
  • Fashion & Beauty
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
  • Join us
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

CultureMusicLive music

Years & Years at the Roundhouse

Years & Years at the Roundhouse | Live review
11 July 2018
Will Almond
Avatar
Shot by Filippo L'Astorina
Avatar
Will Almond Shot by Filippo L'Astorina
11 July 2018

Music review

Will Almond

Years & Years at the Roundhouse

★★★★★

Highlights

Palo Santo, All for You, King

Links

Twitter Facebook Instagram Soundcloud Website

“We haven’t played a London gig in a very long time,” Years & Years’ frontman and burgeoning queer icon Olly Alexander laughs as the last of the confetti floats down towards the ground. “This is the Palo Santo party but we’re still in the Communion era.” We’re only three into the setlist, but with Sanctify, Take Shelter and Shine already having given almost religious fervour to an ecstatic crowd, the party is well underway.

Alexander dominates the stage at all times, physically much bigger on it than he appears off it. Even as one, two, three and finally four dancers join the singer to add to an already crowded setup featuring band members Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Türkmen, drummer Paris Jeffree and backing singers, there’s still only one place where everyone’s eyes fall. The vocalist’s shock of red hair, chain-choker, orange hazmat inspired overalls and PVC shorts with oversized zips are only half the story. There’s an easy charm too, a presence, and a clear connection with his fans. Standing alone at the front of the stage, listening to the crowd echo his lyrics to All for You, the artist brings the room to life. His power over the audience is made even clearer in the ensemble’s rendition of their infectiously upbeat hit If You’re Over Me. The 27-year-old even brings one lucky fan up to join him at the piano – a recipient of the Make a Wish Foundation – as the trio performs Eyes Shut.

If the lead singer holds the gaze, though, that isn’t for a lack of other options. This gig is a constant and glorious assault on the senses: the red, blue and neon pink colour palette radiates from screens in a dizzying array of shapes and combinations; Goldsworthy briefly clambers down to the main stage and plays a hand-held keyboard shaped like a giant musical note; four dancers – each with their own outfit and personality – writhe around, caressing the stage, each other and Alexander. One visual moment stands out above all others, though. Palo Santo sees the charismatic frontman atop a podium, draped in a flowing, lilac, studded shawl. As the opening chords play, he rises higher and higher to truly dominate the arena. Performers and crowd alike look up, exultant.

Alexander has talked about how he wants his latest album to be a more unabashed exploration and celebration of his queer identity. In beginning with Sanctify and its promise that “I won’t be ashamed” before delivering 75 minutes of ecstatic, energetic and provocative synthpop finishing with the anthemic King, Years & Years certainly achieve that tonight.

★★★★★

Will Almond
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

For further information and future events visit Years & Years’ website here.

Watch the video for If You’re Over Me here:

Related Itemsfeaturedlive musicreview

More in Live music

South Facing Festival: Richard Ashcroft and his band were on impressive form from start to finish

★★★★★
Francis Nash
Read More

South Facing Festival: Jungle bring their signature neo-funk to Saturday night

★★★★★
Jessica Wall
Read More

Patti Smith at the London Palladium

★★★★★
Jennifer Sanin
Read More

The Libertines at Wembley Arena

★★★★★
Sophia Moss
Read More

Kaleidoscope Festival cements its status as a family favourite at Alexandra Palace

★★★★★
Jessica Wall
Read More

Yola at Koko

★★★★★
Natallia Pearmain
Read More

John Legend at Somerset House

★★★★★
Jonathan Marshall
Read More

Primal Scream at Alexandra Palace Park

★★★★★
Sophia Moss
Read More

Black Midi at Somerset House

★★★★★
Jasper Watkins
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap

Music review

Will Almond

Years & Years at the Roundhouse

★★★★★

Highlights

Palo Santo, All for You, King

Links

Twitter Facebook Instagram Soundcloud Website

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • Ed Fringe 2022: Hungry
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Kasabian – The Alchemist’s Euphoria
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Tips for creating a peaceful home
    Feature of the week
  • Rita at Charing Cross Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Kasabian – The Alchemist’s Euphoria
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Rita at Charing Cross Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Ed Fringe 2022: Hungry
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • “Even people who’ve been through adversity might say ‘Well, I wouldn’t change anything because I wouldn’t be who I am'”: Eva Noblezada and Flula Borg on Luck
    Cinema & Tv
  • “Film offers a way of looking at the past, the present and the future simultaneously. That’s its wonder”: Sarah Beddington on Fadia’s Tree
    Cinema & Tv
  • Kasabian – The Alchemist’s Euphoria
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Rita at Charing Cross Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • “Even people who’ve been through adversity might say ‘Well, I wouldn’t change anything because I wouldn’t be who I am'”: Eva Noblezada and Flula Borg on Luck
    Cinema & Tv
  • Nope
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Five Days at Memorial
    ★★★★★
    apple
The Upcoming
Pages
  • Contact us
  • Join mailing list
  • Join us
  • Our London food map
  • Our writers
  • Support us
  • What, when, why
With the support from:
International driving license

Copyright © 2011-2020 FL Media

Kodaline at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen | Live review
LP at Somerset House | Live review